A former Miss Surrey has been named the first size-16 girl to compete in the Miss England final.

Beauty therapy student Chloe Marshall, who is from Guildford, picked up the Miss Surrey crown in 2008 and will be now battling to win the national title.

And she said she wanted to break the stereotype that models have to be tall and skinny.

She told the BBC: ”I’ve always been bigger than most girls.

“Last year I went on a really strict diet and got down to a size 12, but I just looked like skin and bones, it didn’t suit me.

“I eat healthily, I go to the gym a lot. This is just the size I’m meant to be.

“I’ve had so many emails from parents and daughters, even boys, saying how much of an inspiration I am to them.

“They realise they don’t have to starve themselves to look beautiful.

“They look at me as if I’m a role model because I’m curvy and healthy as well.”

And she is about to go into business, producing a clothing range for people like her.

The final 10 were photographed and interviewed in their own keep fit outfit and daywear.

According to the competition's organisers the judges were looking for confidence, beauty and personality.